Troops from a Suffolk air base have been flown to the Middle East as the possibility of conflict between the West and terrorist groups in Afghanistan grows.

Members of 15 Squadron RAF regiment, based at RAF Honington, have been deployed to Kuwait.

They will guard an air base containing British and American personnel in what RAF Honington has described as a "precautionary measure".

Flight Lieutenant Gina Humphrey, spokesperson for RAF Honington, said: "The deployment of an element of number 15 Squadron over the weekend is not in reaction to any specific threat.

"However every ministry of defence base world-wide has increased security awareness and as a result of this, additional personnel from RAF Honington have been deployed to further enhance force protection of RAF assets."

RAF Honington, near Bury St Edmunds, is home to British and American service men and women.

Security at another Suffolk base, RAF Lakenheath, has also been increased and a road has been closed with concrete barriers.